Diploma of Applied Information Technology

Course summary

Course code SBAIO
Course name Diploma of Applied Information Technology
Course duration 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent^
Location Online
Available internationally Yes

Course description

The Diploma of Applied Information Technology is year 1 of the Bachelor of Applied Information Technology.

Diploma of Applied Information Technology graduates have gained exposure to concepts from across the breadth of the field of Information Technology. They have the knowledge to practically apply these concepts in areas including Networking, Programming, Web Development, and Systems Design and Development and have the opportunity to complete an industry certification that recognises their skill in IT problem resolution.

Should you choose to continue your studies, an applied bachelor's degree will be awarded to you at the successful completion of year 3 (or part-time equivalent).

Careers

  • IT Support Specialist 5.0 $85k
  • Help Desk Technician $55k
  • Junior Programmer 3.6 $50k

Source www.seek.com.au

Engaging course content

CSE1SIX – Information System Infrastructure
CSE1OFX – Object-Oriented Programming Fundamentals
CSE1PGX – Programming Environment
CSE1SPX – Sustainability Practices

Year 1

Completing year 1 of your degree provides you with an opportunity to exit with an applied diploma, and a solid foundation for continued studies.

Exit with Diploma of Applied Information Technology
Credit points 120 credit points
Certifications Gain up to 4 industry certifications
Core subjects

To operate effectively within any information system, an understanding of the theory and practice of database management systems is essential. This subject is designed to deepen students' interest and expertise in databases in general with a focus on cloud databases. A cloud database stores/processes data on the cloud. We start by looking at how database systems have evolved. The subject is mainly concerned with the relational data model and students learn the basics of database design using entity-relationship diagrams and how this design can then be mapped onto the relational model. A significant part of the subject is devoted to the use of structured query language (SQL). A commercial database management system will be used throughout the subject to provide hands-on skills. Foundations of normalising as well as data security will also be discussed. This subject is designed to prepare students for undertaking an associated vendor certification.

In this subject, students are introduced to the concept of an information system (IS) including file design, input/output/interface design, file conversion and implementation techniques. This subject deals with systems development life cycle as a framework for IS development and emphasises the role and involvement of users in an IS project. The use of appropriate fact-finding techniques in systems analysis and an introduction to data flow and E-R modelling are covered. Several information system case studies are used to illustrate the concepts introduced. Students will receive hands-on experience in the construction of a small information system using a suitable prototyping tool.

Appropriate information systems infrastructure is crucial to the successful operation of any organisation. This subject covers the selection and implementation of systems infrastructure dependent on client needs. There is a focus on the setup and troubleshooting of machine hardware and networks and the configuration of operating systems. This subject is designed to prepare students for undertaking an associated vendor certification.

This subject provides a general introduction to the breadth of the field of information technology. Areas covered include the main components and operation of IT devices, data storage and retrieval, networks, programming and website development.

In this subject, we lay the foundation for internetworking. Basic building blocks of internetworking in terms of two main reference models are introduced. Two main reference models, OSI and TCP/IP, are examined in detail, mainly by analysing each layer’s functionality and different protocols involved. A few of the critical concepts in network design like IP addressing, IP subnetting, VLSM, IP routing, local area network technologies (Ethernet), switching and packet analysis are also introduced with a practical approach as an enabler to perform small network designs. This subject is designed to prepare students for undertaking an associated vendor certification.

Students are introduced to object-oriented programming concepts through a contemporary programming language. Topics covered include classes and objects, encapsulation and inheritance, primitive data types, flow of control, methods, basic input/output and arrays. Software engineering principles are introduced, including coding standards, class design and testing strategies.

In this subject, students are introduced to the environments, tools, techniques and methods of thinking needed to analyse simple data processing problems and develop effective and efficient software solutions. It is assumed that participants have no previous exposure to programming.

In this subject, students are introduced to developing and implementing a workplace sustainability policy in line with a current theoretical framework and modifying it to suit the interconnections between the economy, society and the environment. Students identify, analyse and evaluate information to develop, monitor and modify organisational policies in accordance with legislative and organisational goals and changing business circumstances. During this process, they are required to communicate and consult with internal and external stakeholders. The subject also introduces students to planning, sequencing and using systematic and analytical processes to research and gather data and to evaluate outcomes of decision-making to identify improvement. This subject addresses La Trobe’s Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affect the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems – now and in the future.

Career opportunities

This course has been designed with a high employability focus in the exciting world of IT. Graduates will fit roles that bridge the gap between technical and management personnel. The integration of IT certifications provides you with required industry skills to support underpinning technical knowledge. Career opportunities include:

  • IT Support Specialist
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Junior Programmer
Key dates
Study period Start date Census date Last withdrawal End date
2022 study blocks
Study Block 1 10/01/2022 06/02/202206/03/202203/04/2022
Study Block 2 07/02/202206/03/202203/04/202201/05/2022
Study Block 3 07/03/202203/04/202201/05/202229/05/2022
Study Block 4 04/04/202201/05/202229/05/202226/06/2022
Study Block 5 02/05/202229/05/202226/06/202224/07/2022
Study Block 6 06/06/202203/07/202231/07/202228/08/2022
Study Block 7 04/07/202231/07/202228/08/202225/09/2022
Study Block 8 01/08/202228/08/202225/09/202223/10/2022
Study Block 9 05/09/202202/10/202230/10/202227/11/2022
Study Block 10 03/10/202230/10/202227/11/202225/12/2022
Study Block 11 07/11/202204/12/202201/01/202329/01/2023
Study Block 12 05/12/202230/12/202229/01/202326/02/2023
Prerequisites

For admission to any of our online courses, one of the following is required.

  • If you have completed Year 12 in the past 2 years, you will need a 50+ ATAR score with a Units 3 & 4 study score of at least 25 in English, or
  • An equivalent academic level achievement, or
  • At least one year of work experience, after leaving school

All students are required to undergo the online Pre-enrolment Assessment and achieve a pass mark of 60%.

Advanced standing

Those of you who have studied at tertiary level elsewhere, or who have relevant studies or work experience*, may be eligible for advanced standing (credit) towards your online La Trobe University qualification. Each college has specific policies in respect to the number and type of subjects and work experience it is willing to accept for advanced standing (credit) purposes.

We will inform you of the process for advanced standing at enrolment. However, if at some later point you believe you are eligible for advanced standing, please advise your Student Experience Team as soon as possible. It is preferable that you have advanced standing approved for a subject prior to starting it. Advanced standing must be approved before going through census for that subject.

For more information about advanced standing, contact us.

*Work experience recognition available to applicants of all La Trobe applied IT courses.

Wellbeing

We firmly believe that learning and wellbeing are linked and that students learn best when their wellbeing is optimised. To this end, our students can enjoy personal and online support for their health and wellbeing.

Orientation

When you start your course, you will be given an invitation to join a live orientation (video conference) for the first day of your first term. This orientation is designed to answer any questions you have and help you navigate your online Learning Portal.

If you haven’t been formally studying for a while, or you just want a clearer understanding of what’s ahead, we have created an orientation portal to help you become study-ready. Not only does it highlight the features and benefits of studying online, but it’s packed with valuable information to help you succeed in your studies with us.

Student resources

Didasko deliver online learning resources for La Trobe University qualifications. The resources can vary from subject to subject and can include:

  • Multimedia
    Didasko has an award-winning content creation department that produce engaging learning resources.
  • Live video
    Didasko hosts live lectures such as subject welcomes, assessment overviews and live forums through video conferencing tools.
  • Recorded video
    We record our subject lectures so that they are relevant to an applied learning outcome.
  • Learning guides
    In some cases, learning guides are also available in PDF form and are useful to students who prefer written material.
  • Assessments
    There are different types of assessments and projects to measure students’ understanding. Some of those types are: essay, multiple-choice questions, oral assessments.
  • Exams
    Some of the exams are proctored by the Academic Team via remote desktop sharing.
  • IT certifications
    IT certifications are Industry exams recognise worldwide. Some subjects include specific certificates free of charge. These can relate to AWS, Microsoft and CompTIA, CCENT from Cisco and Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 from Microsoft too.
Equipment required

To get the most out of this exciting online experience, we recommend you equip yourself with the right tools for the job before you commence your studies.

All study resources (content and assessments) will be provided as part of the course. You will need to supply the following:

  • A good, reliable internet connection
  • Computer capable of running Windows
  • Webcam
  • Sound capabilities (microphone/speakers)

Students studying IT subjects will require the additional items:

  • 64bit CPU capable of virtualisation (VT-x/AMD-v) with at least 4 cores (either an Intel core i5/i7 or an AMD FX-61XX or AMD FX-81XX)
  • Minimum 150GB free storage (internal or external). Cloud storage is encouraged for backups but shouldn’t be included in minimum.
  • 20GB of download allowance per month from your ISP
  • 64bit operating system (Windows/Mac/Linux)
  • Discrete GPU/graphics card (recommended)
  • 16GB RAM or higher (recommended)
  • SSD storage (recommended)

Some of the latest Apple Mac computers are now equipped with M1 Processors as opposed to the previous Intel Processors. We do not recommend using a Mac computer with an M1 processor to access a Didasko delivered online course.

Course costs

Your degree fees are only $8,021 per year if you meet the relevant residency requirements, and are studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.*

  Year 1Total
Qualification earnedDiploma 
You pay$8,021$8,021

More course costs

*The University reserves the right to vary fees on an annual basis. Fees will not normally rise above 7 per cent per annum for continuing students. Should the University decide to increase its fees, that increase will take effect on 1 January of the following year. While every effort has been made by La Trobe University to ensure that the information on this website is up to date and accurate, La Trobe University does not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties in relation to the accuracy, completeness and up to date status of the above information. Course costs may vary depending on elective subjects chosen.

†Eligibility criteria applies. Available to Australian citizens and Permanent Residents only. Course costs may vary depending on elective subjects chosen.

^ Minimum timeframe for the bachelor's degree is 36 months and can vary according to absence, advanced standing status, studying full-time versus part-time, availability of subjects and your progress in the course.

Get your free career pack now

Career Guide. Interactive course samples. Pre-enrolment assessment.

By submitting this form, you agree to our use of your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement. This includes your consent for us to contact you to discuss education opportunities.

Take the Pre-enrolment Assessment today